Post Office CEO Acknowledges Complexity of Quashed Convictions in Horizon IT Scandal
Nick Read, the chief executive of the Post Office, has expressed that there may be differing opinions within the organization regarding the innocence of all individuals whose convictions were quashed in the ongoing Horizon IT Inquiry. Speaking at the inquiry, Read stated, “I don’t think I could say specifically that that is the case, but there will be a view that not every quashed conviction will be innocent postmasters.”
Despite this sentiment, Read emphasized that the majority of the Post Office supports the actions taken to rectify past wrongs, asserting that the question of whether any guilty subpostmasters were exonerated is no longer a significant issue. He reinforced the principle that no employee is “above the law” and denied the existence of “untouchables” within the organization who would evade disciplinary measures for their roles in the wrongful prosecutions of numerous post office operators.
The inquiry has shed light on the serious implications of the Horizon IT scandal, which led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of subpostmasters due to flaws in the Post Office’s IT system. Read, who took on the role of CEO in 2019 with a commitment to addressing these historical injustices, has previously used the term “untouchables” to refer to certain investigators involved in the prosecution process. This term has raised concerns about accountability within the organization.
As the inquiry progresses, it seeks to uncover the full extent of the injustices faced by subpostmasters and hold those responsible accountable. The public and stakeholders alike are keenly watching to see how the Post Office will navigate these complex issues as it attempts to restore trust and rectify the past.
Source : Swifteradio.com
